Underwater camera?

[bad coffee]

So I'm looking for a new digital camera.

Yes, I have a DSLR. Canon 20D to be exact. I've looked at the underwater housing by Ikelite. $1234.95 OUCH. And that's just for the body housing alone. I need another housing to cover my lens. (and each one probably takes a different housing.)

Since I don't dive, I figure $2K for housing and strobes is a bit much. I'd rather spend it on a new lens and regular flash. But I do have a bit o extra cash to get a new point and shoot.

The main reason I want a small camera is to carry it around in my bag so i always have a camera. Sure, I have a camera phone, but let's be realistic, the pictures suck. So I want a small-ish point and shoot that takes great pics. Macro is a plus, but I'd give it up for a better lens and smaller size.

Since I do snorkle, I'd like to be able to take the camera down to about 15 feet or so. I know canon and nikon both make underwater housings for their cameras. But I'd also like to (eventually) get external strobes for the camera.

So, does anyone have a recommendation for a camera and housing? I'd like to be able to get the camera and housing now, and add more stuff later when I decide I'd like it- strobes, close-up lenses, ect.

If anyone has any forums that I can research i'd dig the link. I've found a few from google, but nothing I've clicked on has really been great.

Also, if you have a small camera and housing, let me know what you have and what you like/don't like about it. Any other tips are helpful as well.

Thanks
B

 

[Deanos]

I have an underwater housing for a Canon A70, but the camera crapped out :irked: I was going to eBay it.

 

[jf2381]

I was fortunate enough to play with the Olympus 770 SW this weekend and I liked it. I'm ordering one as soon my brother is able to get one, He works for Olympus. I believe the max you can dive with this camera is 33ft. They have a 790 SW but you can only go down about 10ft with that model.

 

[Alex]

I was in the same situation.I've decided on the Canon G9 with an ikelite housing. The housing will allow me to connect external strobes and full use of camera features.
camera is going for $460.
housing $580. approx

by the way I also looked at the sea and sea DX 1G

 

[xobklynqt143]

i got the Olympus stylus 750 pretty decent camera(you can see photos from my wedding http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/photography/28035-pictures-hawaii-tahiti.html) the case was a bit pricey like 300$ and the camera was about 350-400

 

[Pedro]

If you are into snorkeling or diving, get the real deal. Buying the housings is so much expensive. I think these are a nice compromise. Strobes can be attached. Look around at the other models as well.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486745-REG/Sea_Sea_SS_06563_DX_860G_UW_Digital_Camera.html

 

[zahner]

hey brett
check out canon; they make housings for most if not all of their powershot line. you are better off going with a housed land camera than a dedicated u/w model, it will be much more useful, esp since you stated you want something to toss in your bag. the SD- series are super compact but have no manual controls. They would be fine for snorkeling. I added a strobe and wet-mate macro lens to mine and did pretty well for diving . The lack of manual controls on the SD- line will limit you if you decide to get more serious about u/w though. I upgraded to a G7 which I anticipate will serve me well for a long time. I think the the G7's successor, the G9 is a great choice, it has RAW which will be useful for correcting u/w stuff, but it is a little hefty to just carry around all the time. There are a number of good options in the A-series as well.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-photography/ is a decent resource (i'm zahner over there as well)

wetpixel.com
underwaterphotography.com
digideep.com

feel free to pm if i can answer any questions!

T

 

[Alex]

zahner thanks for the pics you directed me to, they are great shots. by the way I chose to go with the G9 especially now that its $460. not a bad deal.

 

[bad coffee]

Since I don't need state of the art, i'm looking at a canon a570IS for $166. and the housing is the same price.

I've got to read a few other reviews before I pull the trigger.

B

 

[zahner]

Inon recently started supporting the A570IS: http://inonamerica.com/news.php?news_id=87&newscat=0

 

[bad coffee]

hmmmm... I can add strobes later? good to know!